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2006 Toyota Matrix problems

The most common problem on the 2006 Toyota Matrix is airbags, typically around 80,000 miles. It has 1.8 times the complaints of a typical Matrix model year.

Typical year1.8x the typical complaints
Year score
53/100
Owner complaints
170
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
138
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
25-29mpg
Typical repair
$867

The worst 2006 Toyota Matrix problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Toyota Matrix

Stalling 21Check engine light 17Engine failure 8Sudden acceleration 7Jerking 6

Recalls 3

Engine and engine coolingReported August 26, 2010 · 1,128,659 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 corolla and corolla matrix vehicles. The engine control module (ECM) for the subject models equipped with the 1zz-fe engine and two-wheel drive may have been improperly manufactured. There is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board.
Risk
There are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect. The engine warning lamp could be illuminated, harsh shifting could result, the engine may not start, or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven. An engine shutoff while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the production number of the ECM and replace the ECM if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Toyota will mail an interim owner notification the middle of september 2010 to advise owners of this defect and recall. This interim notification will inform owners that they will receive a future notification when parts become available to have the free remedy performed on their vehicle. The safety recall began on november 29, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 10V384000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported February 3, 2010 · 271,417 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Risk
This does not meet the standard requirements.
Remedy
Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713‑580‑3300.

Recall number 10V035000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported February 3, 2010 · 153,418 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Risk
A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1‑800‑301‑6859.

Recall number 10V036000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2006 Toyota Matrix

Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Toyota Matrix 138

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 138 bulletins for the 2006 Toyota Matrix

2006 Toyota Matrix fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylFWD22-2629-3325-29
1.8L 4‑cyl4WD222925

What 2006 Toyota Matrix owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 4, 2025 · Airbags · CA

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Matrix. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V627000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Feb 4, 2020 · Suspension · KY

2006 toyota matrix. Consumer writes in regards to rusted right side rear strut. *ld

Filed Mar 7, 2018 · Airbags · MI

How can I get toyota to quit sending me notices. I'm getting about 1 a week now for a car that was demolished at a junkyard in january 2017. I've provided them proof that they are sending to me but they won't stop....please help or forward me on to someone who can help. Thanks!

Filed Nov 5, 2017 · Airbags · 120,000 miles · MI

Your website where I enter my VIN returns a "request was invalid" message. "one or more parameters were invalid." nothing is explained. Why did this message show?

Filed Aug 30, 2017 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 184,952 miles · OR

My clock started going out. Sometimes it would be on and other times it would go off and now it turns on and off in its own time factor when I am drivng and the car is in motion and when I am stopped at traffic lights.. I asked the toyota dealer if they could fix my clock. I had them do a diagnostic test on the clock which cost around $110 approx.. They said they could fix my clock for $416.31 and that is was connected to my air bags. My toyota dealer said they replaced my takata airbag on the front passenger side on 2-18-2016, and told me the other airbags were not takata. But I wondered if my clock doesn't work and it's tied into my airbags, if I get into a wreck will my airbags deploy or not deploy becasuse I haven't fixed my clock?

Filed Oct 6, 2016 · Airbags · CA

Letter from congresswoman capps on behalf of constituent re why efforts are focused on replacing the passenger side airbags first and not the driver side airbags which seems more relevant.

Filed Jul 27, 2016 · Airbags · MN

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2006 toyota matrix. The contact received a recall notification in may of 2016 for the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v285000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Jul 7, 2016 · Airbags · MD

I just arranged a 3rd appointment to have repairs on my toyota matrix for my safety recall. I have been told that there is no part to accomplish the repairs twice now. My next appt is set for the end of august and I am hoping that the part will be available! It is very difficult to comply with not having a passenger ride with me. Please order and deliver a suitable part to the owings mills toyota service center.

Filed Jun 13, 2016 · Airbags · 97,000 miles · DE

Initial recall was issued for car nearly 1 year ago today. Remedy was not available at the time. Received a notice that the part was available and replacement could be scheduled approximately 2 months ago but was informed the part had to be ordered by the dealer. Follow up call today indicates the part is still back ordered and I am unable to have the repair done. This is unacceptable when the recall notice indicates that a passenger in the car could be seriously injured or killed in the event of an accident. Toyota has not remedied the problem in a year, and is not making satisfactory progress in obtaining the part or scheduling the repair.

Filed May 3, 2016 · Airbags · MN

"takata recall" received interim notice approx may 2015 received remidy notice may 2016 purchased car new and have contacted toyota of invergrove heights mn. Several times about recall repair, only to be told no parts available! I am afraid of liability and or death from deployed air bags to both driver & passenger. Also paid option for additional side air bag package. When can we expect resolve and why is my life and passengers of less value than those in priority states? Why are no fines to takata or the vehicle manufacturers being initiated? We owners feel as life and limb & vehicle valuation are at risk. It seems volkswagon diesel owners are receiving preferential attention and possible buy backs, while not as risk of the same exposure. Takata industries may go bankrupt or totally fail with no resolve from them or auto manufacturers. Leaving the vehicle owners open to death, injury,lawsuits and financial loss of vehicle value. Please help! Please help!

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2006 Toyota Matrix

Is the 2006 Toyota Matrix reliable?

Owners have filed 170 complaints about the 2006 Toyota Matrix, 1.8 times a typical Matrix model year.

What is the 2006 Toyota Matrix year score?

The 2006 Toyota Matrix scores 53 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Matrix: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Toyota Matrix?

Airbags, with 50 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is tires (27).

How many recalls does the 2006 Toyota Matrix have?

3 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and equipment.

What year does the Toyota Matrix have bad airbags?

The Toyota Matrix model years with the most airbags complaints are 2005 (103 complaints), 2009 (78 complaints) and 2003 (57 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Toyota Matrix get?

Official estimates for the 2006 Toyota Matrix range from 25 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-26 city and 29-33 highway.

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